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You will get a call within 12 Hrs from the time of Booking. *T&C – Free home sample collection is not available on specific tests. Pediatric home sample collection ( kids below 10 years age ) is available at specific cities only

Diabetes – Is it hereditary?

We know diabetes results from wrong lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive consumption of fat and carbohydrates etc. But there are other factors that make diabetes possible – factors that we cannot control, unlike lifestyle choices!

There is no direct correlation between a particular gene and the occurrence of diabetes. It is usually a bunch of factors that come together along with genetic mutations to increase the possibility of getting diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

As mentioned before, there is no ‘type 1 diabetes gene’ that decides whether you get the disorder or not. It is a game of roles: with one influencing the result more than another. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body destroys the cells that make insulin. The proteins used by the immune system to keep the body healthy are produced by the HLA genes. This makes it evident that genes are of great importance when it comes to type 1 diabetes. The version of HLA gene that you get from your parents determines your likelihood of getting type 1 diabetes.

The occurrence of genes also depends on ethnicity and race. For e.g., white people are more likely to have type 1 diabetes. However, likelihood doesn’t always decide whether or not you get diabetes. Even the presence of these genes does not mean that you will end up having diabetes for sure.

Type 2 diabetes

This is not an autoimmune disorder. Factors that cause type 2 diabetes include obesity and sedentary lifestyle, among several others. Genetics is also one of the many factors. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is close to 50% if both your parents are diabetic. If one parent was diagnosed before 50, your chances are 1 in 7, and if the diagnosis was after 50, your chances of getting it are 1 in 13.

Many gene mutations are known to affect type 2 diabetes. These include the genes that determine the production of glucose, production of insulin, and how glucose levels are sensed in the body.

Since a lot of this possibility also depends on lifestyle choices, the environment becomes inseparable from family habits. This is because family traditions and eating habits form a major part of the environment, in turn, influencing your own lifestyle. Therefore, it can get difficult to find one root cause of your diabetes.

Testing can be done to detect the gene mutations linked to type 2 diabetes. However, tests for other factors can give more accurate pointers. These include BMI (body mass index), blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol, gestational diabetes, etc. Certain ethnicities like Hispanic, African-American, or Asian-American are at a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes.

Control measures

Although genetics are not in your control, other factors can indeed be monitored to prevent diabetes. Lifestyle changes can protect you from getting diabetes even if you are at risk due to genetic factors. Some things that can be done to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes are:

Increase physical activity. Warm up by slowly incorporating activities that require physical movement into your routine. Once you get into the groove, start weight-training and cardiovascular exercises. Losing weight is a huge plus in the fight against diabetes.

Stick to a diabetes diet. Avoid carbohydrates and excess calories. Try to cook most of your meals and keep your stock of groceries ready so that you’re not tempted to dine out.

If you’re at risk, make sure you get tested regularly for glucose and cholesterol levels, at trusted diagnostics centres like Apollo Diagnostics. Even if the genes are against you, you don’t have to give up the fight.

Book Your Test

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Name *

Email *

Phone Number *

Test Name *

Date *

State *

City *

* T & C

You will get a call within 12 Hrs from the time of Booking. *T&C – Free home sample collection is not available on specific tests. Pediatric home sample collection ( kids below 10 years age ) is available at specific cities only

Patient Testimonials

“Excellence of Apollo Diagnostics is already a recognized fact across India. Adding more strength to their reputation is their caring nature and supportive attitude. I’ll always prefer to take their services than selecting mediocre quality making any compromise with my health.”

Mr. Shahul Hameed, Chennai

“The way Apollo Diagnostics kept me at ease during the sample collection process, the way they supported me to be at my convenience and confidence is really something I’ll always remember. They were also flawless in maintaining the hygiene. Hats off to them!”

Mr. Laxmi Kantham, Hyderabad

“Awesome is probably the one word to express my views about Apollo Diagnostics. Efficiency, punctuality, compassion, sincerity…I’ll give high marks to them in all of these. Great going, Apollo!”

Shivaraj Kadam, Pune

“Thanks for the seamless service. Based on my experience I can assure that, be it quality or punctuality, Apollo Diagnostics is one name to trust and depend on.”

Mr. Thomas, Mysuru

“Excellent sense of timing! The technician arrived right on time. He was really well-trained, in terms of his skill and manner, as well. Apollo Diagnostics is doing a great job.”

Subbalakshmi, Vizag

“Appreciate the quality of service that I’ve received from Apollo Diagnostics. Their competence, caring nature, sincerity, valuing customer’s time – all these together have shaped them as the most trusted diagnostic service provider in the country.
Keep up the good work!

Mrs. Pravati Dash, Bengaluru

“My mother needed a blood test, but was unable to walk due to pain in her leg. A Phlebotomist from Apollo Diagnostics came home and collected the sample. I was informed, via SMS, that the report could be collected from any of the 3 centres in Dibrugarh, downloaded online or even delivered home for a nominal fee. Although the rates were reasonable, my mother also received a senior citizens discount too! This saved my time, money & energy. My aachhe din really seemed to have arrived! Thank you Apollo Diagnostics and hats off for displaying true professionalism.”

Mr. Alokk Kar Dowerah, Dibrugarh

“Whenever I need to have a blood sample collected from home, I ask for Vasu. He is punctual, courteous and so skilled I hardly feel any pain when he draws the sample. Plus, I truly appreciate how quickly the reports are delivered. Thanks Apollo!”

Mr. Sukumar, Film director, Sriram Nagar, Hyderabad

“Their accurate understanding of customer’s needs is one thing that set them apart and ahead of all others. As a result, it becomes easier for them to deliver the right service, that with their matchless efficiency and care to ensure less pain and easily accomplished sample collection. Apollo Diagnostics is simply doing an amazing job!”

Soundarya Abhirami, Hyderabad

“The overall service standard of Apollo Diagnostics is admirably high. The technician was punctual and well-behaved, and has the genuine skill to collect the test sample without troubling the customer. These are probably some of the major reasons for them to be the best in India.”

Mrs. Lakshmi, Chennai

“The most crucial factor with Apollo Diagnostics is that they always train their Phlebotomists so well that the team consistently remains efficient and punctual and we receive a premium quality diagnostic service. Good job. Keep it up.”

Mr. Amit Kumar Patil, Bengaluru

Service they deliver is no less than the promise they make. Be it quality, respect for customer’s time, or efficiency of their technicians…simply matchless. I confidently recommend Apollo Diagnostics to everyone.”

You will get a call within 12 Hrs from the time of Booking. *T&C – Free home sample collection is not available on specific tests. Pediatric home sample collection ( kids below 10 years age ) is available at specific cities only